Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 5th January 2022) below:
Kev’s Column:
2022
As a New Year arrives there are many reasons to be optimistic, not least as we look ahead to what could be another busy Summer Season.
Whilst the battle against Covid-19 is not yet over, the development of new treatments and the Booster Jab campaign has transformed the position we face. As we entered 2021 only 2,000 of the most vulnerable bay residents had received their 1st jab, now over 80% of Torbay residents aged 12 or over have had at least 2 jabs, with many having also received a booster.
2021 saw the start of work on the Torquay Town Deal, which will see the Government invest £21.9m into regenerating and developing the town. Three projects, including improvements in Upton Park and a long-needed upgrade of lighting on the seafront have been completed. 2022 will see major projects get underway, including major improvements to The Strand and work to regenerate the Debenhams site.
Paignton’s Future High Streets fund is also set to make a difference, with £13.36m from the government ready to be invested into the Town Centre. Paignton Picture House, which has just unveiled its (impressively) revamped historic frontage, will receive funding for the next stage of its revitalisation work, whilst Crossways should finally see the demolition crews arrive this year.
Anthony Mangnall and I will also be working to ensure our bay can secure the funding needed to develop the facilities our fishing industry needs not just to survive, but now we are out of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, to expand and grow.
The year ahead will not be without its challenges, from ensuring those working on the frontline in areas such as healthcare and supporting our most vulnerable children have the resources they need, to ensuring our hospitality and tourism sector will be ready to blossom as the warmer spring weather arrives, despite the challenges of recent weeks which look set to continue over the next month.
2022 is set to be a welcome year of progress for our bay, despite the many challenges the last two years has presented us with.
Volunteers
Over the Festive Period the team of NHS staff and volunteers at the Riviera Centre were working hard to continue the vital vaccination campaign.
The take-up of vaccination in our bay has been exceptional, helping support not just our local NHS, but our wider community by ensuring we did not need the type of restrictions which were in place over Christmas last year.
Each of the volunteers serving on the frontline of our fight against Covid-19 is helping release NHS staff to focus on other tasks, they deserve a big thank you from us all.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 8th January 2022, 11am till 1pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Friday 14th January 3pm till 5pm at The Windmill Centre, Pendennis Rd, Torquay TQ2 7QR. Sadly, my surgeries must remain appointment only at this stage given the prevailing public health guidance.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. The regular drop-in sessions at my East St Office from 10am till 1pm, restarted on Tuesday 4th January 2022, please note you may have to wait outside if others attend at the same time
